Jessica James – Exploring the Heart of History

Discover how award-winning author brings history to life through her captivating novels

Jessica James discusses her writing process, inspirations, and themes of courage and devotion, revealing how her military upbringing and historical research shape her acclaimed novels.

Jessica James is a literary force whose works have captivated readers with their rich historical narratives and compelling emotional depth. As an award-winning author, she has masterfully crafted stories that span historical fiction, suspense/thrillers, and Southern small-town fiction, each imbued with themes of courage, devotion, and love. Her novels, which have found a home in prestigious collections such as those at Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy, pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the American military, both past and present. With a unique ability to weave historical accuracy with relatable characters, Jessica’s stories resonate with a wide audience, offering both inspiration and entertainment. Her dedication to honouring the sacrifices of military personnel and her passion for uncovering forgotten stories of America’s past makes her a standout voice in contemporary literature.

In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of Jessica James to explore the inspirations and experiences that shape her writing. We conducted this interview to gain insight into her creative process, her views on the themes of personal sacrifice and devotion, and her journey as a celebrated author. Through her thoughtful responses, Jessica shares the challenges and joys of writing across genres, the influence of her military upbringing, and the profound impact her stories have on readers. Join us as we uncover the heart and soul behind the works of this remarkable author.

Jessica James captivates readers with her masterful storytelling, honoring history and military heroes through emotionally rich and inspiring narratives.

Your novels often focus on themes of courage, love, and devotion, particularly in the context of the American military. How do your personal beliefs and experiences shape the way you write about these values?

I grew up in a military family, so I’ve witnessed firsthand the commitment and sacrifice that come with serving. That deep devotion to duty and love of country has always resonated with me, especially since only about three percent of the population serves in the military. In every story I tell, I try to weave in that spirit of courage, love, and devotion.

As someone who weaves historical fiction with complex emotional narratives, how do you balance historical accuracy with the need to create compelling, relatable characters?

That’s the million dollar question! It’s very hard to write within the timelines and constraints of factual history to get things to work, but that’s also the fun of it all. I do make it a little easier on myself by creating fictional characters who interact with actual historical figures, so I have flexibility to create the characters the way I want. Since I write about the Revolutionary War and Civil War periods, there is no shortage of conflict, which is the main ingredient necessary for a good plot.

You’ve been honoured with numerous awards for your contributions to Southern fiction and military fiction. How do these accolades influence your writing process, and do they add any pressure or expectations for future work?

The awards I’ve received were a wonderful surprise, but I find more satisfaction when I open my email and find a message that one of my books kept a reader up all night, turning pages. So, to answer your question, the real pressure comes from meeting the high expectations of my fans. I don’t want to disappoint them with a mediocre book.

What inspired you to start your blog Past Lane Travels, and how does exploring the forgotten stories of America’s past influence your approach to writing historical fiction?

Past Lane Travels really came about as the result of the intensive research I do for my historical fiction writing. I always discover more information than I could possibly use, so I needed an outlet to share those stories. Travelling to off-the-beaten-path historical destinations has become an addiction now. There are so many hidden gems that I want to share with my readers.

Many of your novels explore the idea of personal sacrifice, both in love and in war. What draws you to this theme, and how do you see it reflected in today’s society compared to the historical settings of your stories?

I was drawn to the theme of personal sacrifice because it’s a recurring thread in true stories across history, involving both men and women, young and old, from all walks of life. People simply did what needed to be done, regardless of the cost to themselves. In today’s society, this kind of selflessness feels less common, but I believe it’s still a deeply resonant theme that can transcend any era.

Having written both historical romances and contemporary thrillers, do you find that the creative process differs when writing across these genres, or are there underlying themes that unite all of your works?

No, the creative process remains pretty much the same even no matter the setting or time period. Whether it’s an 18th century soldier or a modern-day operative, the essence of what drives them is the same universal values of honor and duty. The challenge is doing the research to make the story believable and factual, and finding new ways to help contemporary readers relate to the characters, no matter the era.

You talked about getting emails from your fans, are there any that stick out in your mind?

Yes, there is. I receive many messages and reviews that rank Shades of Gray up there with Gone with the Wind, and they always take my breath away. But the one note that still sticks out in my mind, maybe because of its humour, said this:

“My house is a mess, my sink is piled high with dishes and my husband ate watermelon for dinner because I could not put down Shades of Gray. Could. Not. Put. Down. Honestly, this book completely captivated me and left me emotionally drained. I loved it!!!”

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